Can Subaru Forester Heat Shield be Trimmed and Reinstalled with Curt Hitch Receiver

Updated 09/04/2024 | Published 08/30/2024

Question:

I'm curious about this as well. Or should I say worried, since I just purchased the Curt. Isn't it a bad idea to drive without the heat shield?

asked by: Brendan

Expert Reply:

Hey Brendan, thanks for reaching out!

You're correct that it's best to keep the heat shield installed. I'm not sure why Curt doesn't recommend installing it back, but if you check out the linked installation video of the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13144 on a 2017 Subaru Forester you'll see our installer actually goes through how to trim and reinstall the heat shield starting at the 5:00 minute mark.

Basically, you're just trimming enough of the trim shield to make sure the frame of your Forester is exposed where the hitch will be making contact with it.

expert reply by: Jon G

Brendan

9/3/2024

Hello Jon G, there is nothing in this video (https://www.etrailer.com/tv-install-trailer-hitch-2018-subaru-forester-c13144.aspx) about trimming/reinstalling the heat shield. It specifically says it will not be reinstalled.

Jon G.

9/4/2024

@Brendan Right. That's not the video I linked on this answer page though. The one that I linked is for the 2017 model year. It's the same installation, our installer just chose to trim the heat shield and reinstall it anyways like what you're wanting to do.